Help with 1973 Topps Mike Schmidt blank-backed proof/promo card - See photo

[RobertGT]

Any collectors ever come across or own a 1973 Topps Schmidt proof/promo card? I have the opportunity to purchase the card pictured below but I'm not sure if it's authentic. From what I understand, the proofs are quite rare.

Have not seen it in person, but the seller says it is blank-backed. As you can see the black ink is missing from the front. Any comments as to authenticity/value?

Thanks in advance.
Rob

<p> <img src=" http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/528/schmidt.jpg">

[ALR-bishop]

I personally would not buy it unless he has COA from Topps Vault. Is your goal strictly a collectible or an investment ?

[laughlinfan]

Fairly interesting - I would tend to think that a fraudster would not pick a blank back no black printing on the front card to counterfeit - but nowadays who knows? If it were a fake - seems this would have had to have been copied from an original no black proof - probably only one or two of those in the world, and being unique it would add a lot more scrutiny to a card like this - harder to slip by an unsuspecting buyer, I would think. And it's not like they could print up 100 of these - once a few started floating around, serious collectors would know something was up.

I certainly would want to see a high res front and back scan before considering it.

[RobertGT]

I personally would not buy it unless he has COA from Topps Vault. Is your goal strictly a collectible or an investment ?

Not really sure at this point. I was offered the card as part of a larger deal but turned it down, for now, due to lack of information. I'm not a big collector of card oddities, so it probably wouldn't stay in my collection for long.

Thanks!
Rob

[drc]

I've had Topps progression proofs, including 1973 football, obtained from the 1989 Guernsey Topps Vaults Auction where the proof was missing the front black text and border and was blank backed. It was also on a thinner, white stock. So the general design of the Schmidt is consistent with a genuine Topps proof.

[David W]

I personally would not buy it unless he has COA from Topps Vault. Is your goal strictly a collectible or an investment ?

I agree. I have a couple of "proofs" that are probably legit, but didn't pay much for them. I also have some from Topps Vault.

That Schmidt would be easy to fake and pass off as a proof for big bucks perhaps to a Schmidt collector